Avon Osborne Harding passed away Saturday, July 14, 2012 at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice and Palliative Care Center. He was born September 25, 1931 in Washington, DC to the late Julian and Nellie Hammond Harding.

After graduating from Armstrong High School, Washington, DC, where he excelled in Track and Field, representing Washington, DC in the Penn Relays, he attended Minor Teachers College (University of the District of Columbia). He enlisted in the US Army in 1952 and was honorably discharged in 1954.

Before relocating to Winston-Salem, NC, in 1986, Avon worked for the Central Intelligence Agency, from which he retired after 32 years of service. He was Director of Equal Employment for the Agency at the time of his retirement. His employment with CIA required travel to numerous foreign countries.

In 1986, he and his family moved to Winston-Salem, NC where he continued his minority recruitment efforts by volunteering in the Office of Career Services, Winston Salem State University. He was instrumental in securing employment in the Federal Government for WSSU students. From 1989 to 1995 he served as Director of Campus Police at WSSU and brought positive changes in the development and growth of the Campus Police Department, while concentrating on the safety of students and staff on campus. He also worked as Residence Life Security Coordinator until retiring in 1997.

His affiliations included: Board of Directors, Habitat for Humanity, Board of Alcohol and Beverage Control, Winston Lake YMCA Board, and the District of Columbia Metropolitan Football Association, Washington, DC. His love of music led him to the Twin City Choristers with whom he sang until his health prohibited him from doing so. He was a member of Red Bank Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Church Treasurer and member of the Senior and Men's Choirs.

He is survived by his spouse of 47 years, Delois Harding; two sons, Robert Harding of Washington, DC and Julian Harding (Kelly) of Winston-Salem, NC; two granddaughters, Peyton Harding and Ryan Dobson; God-grandson, Kirkland Durham; a devoted nephew, John Harding of Forestville, MD; a loving niece, Lavonne Fletcher (Paul) of Suffolk, VA; members of the 6:00 AM Prayer Group, adopted nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and life-time friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Friday, July 20, 2012 at Red Bank Baptist Church with Reverend James Clyburn officiating. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. The family visitation will be held from 10:30am until 12noon on Friday at the Church.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Kate B. Reynolds Hospice and Palliative Care, Winston Salem, NC or Red Bank Baptist Church Building Fund, 6405 Red Bank Rd., Germanton, NC 27019.